If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?
In the Northern Territory of Australia, we don’t presently have a law of entitlement to Voluntary Assisted Dying.
We had a law in 1997 that was passed by the Northern Territory Assembly giving people the right to die. That was the first law of its kind to be passed anywhere in Australia.
Because the Northern Territory is a territory, the right-to-die law was rescinded by the Federal Parliament. Very few people had accessed its provisions.
How the worm turns! Now in Australia, every state and the Australian Capital Territory have voluntary assisted dying laws – the exception being the Northern Territory. We now have a right to develop a law, but our Labour Government is being very tardy on the subject.
We may well get there at some time but at the moment a whole process of inquiry going on about the matter.
When it happens, if it happens, the Northern Territory which was first, will be last with such a law in place.
We NEED a law allowing the right to die. We need it soon. That is my beef.
EDUCATION, A LIFE FORCE 
It’s evident that you’re passionate about the need for a Voluntary Assisted Dying law in the Northern Territory of Australia, especially considering its historical context as the first place in Australia to enact such legislation back in 1997. The subsequent rescindment of the law by the Federal Parliament underscores the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.
The fact that other states and territories in Australia have since enacted similar laws highlights the evolving societal attitudes toward end-of-life choices and autonomy. It’s understandable that you feel frustrated by the delay in reintroducing legislation on Voluntary Assisted Dying in the Northern Territory, especially given the precedent set by other jurisdictions.
Your call for prompt action reflects a desire for compassionate and dignified end-of-life options for individuals facing terminal illness or suffering. It’s important to advocate for legislation that respects individual autonomy and provides a legal framework for end-of-life decision-making while also ensuring safeguards and protections for vulnerable populations.
Continued engagement and advocacy on this issue may help propel the Northern Territory towards enacting a Voluntary Assisted Dying law that aligns with principles of compassion, autonomy, and respect for human dignity.
I’m sorry, but I don’t agree with this: God gives life and God has the power to take it away!
We all have our positions but for me, declining to a point of physical hopelessness and mental vacuity is not for me. Without VAD, suicide becomes the only option.
With suicide you end up in hell and that is eternal suffering. If one is destined to suffer in this life, it is to serve his sentence or to save other souls. The life of every person is therefore precious until the last moment, that is, until the spirit of God returns to Him. It would be too cruel for God to have made us born, and then make us die, like this…No! We have a mission on this earth and we must do God’s will, despite everything: this means accepting anything we don’t like and even dying, as Jesus did for us, for our salvation. Suicide is Satan’s, who does not want us to be happy forever with our Creator. Come on my friend, I pray for you and God bless you! You have done so much good in your life, you have pursued justice and many other fundamental moral values, for everyone. This was thanks to God, because good comes from Him, but not evil. Therefore we continue to do good, to deserve, through his mercy, eternal life full of joy. Or would you like to suffer forever?
It sounds like you’re expressing a deep sense of despair and hopelessness. It’s important to know that there are people who care about you and resources available to support you through difficult times. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional or a support hotline for assistance. You’re not alone, and some options and people can help you find hope and support.
Thanks John.
👏👍